Anaerobic benzene degradation in petroleum-contaminated aquifer sediments after inoculation with a benzene-oxidizing enrichment.
Sediments from the sulfate-reduction zone of a petroleum-contaminated aquifer, in which benzene persisted, were inoculated with a benzene-oxidizing, sulfate-reducing enrichment from aquatic sediments. Benzene was degraded, with apparent growth of the benzene-degrading population over time. These results suggest that the lack of benzene degradation in the sulfate-reduction zones of some aquifers may result from the failure of the appropriate benzene-degrading sulfate reducers to colonize the aquifers rather than from environmental conditions that are adverse for anaerobic benzene degradation.
Weiner
J M
JM
Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA.
Lovley
D R
DR
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001554:Benzene / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005618:Fresh Water; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010578:Petroleum / Q000378:metabolism*; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism
D010578:Petroleum; D013431:Sulfates; D007501:Iron; D001554:Benzene